Human Rights Campaign Applauds Minnesota State House of Representatives for Passing Conversion Therapy Ban Bill

by HRC Staff •

St. Paul, Minnesota – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) — the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization — applauded the Minnesota State House of Representatives for passing HF 16, which would ban conversion therapy practices in the state. The Human Rights Campaign is urging the Minnesota State Senate to pass its companion bill, SF 23, and send the bill to Governor Walz’s desk for his signature.

Following Governor Walz’s Executive Order banning ‘conversion therapy’ in the state, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed a historic bill that would codify the ‘conversion therapy’ ban into state law. The dangerous, and discredited, practice has no place in our society. The scientific community has repeatedly rejected this practice as dangerous and not based in science. This dangerous practice has lifelong consequences for those who experience it. We thank the Minnesota House for following Governor Walz’s lead and urge the Minnesota Senate to take quick action to ban this harmful practice in the state for good."

Cathryn Oakley, Human Rights Campaign State Legislative Director and Senior Counsel

Minnesota is ready to ban conversion ‘therapy,’ and today we are one step closer to realizing that goal. I’d like to thank Rep. Athena Hollins and our partners, testifiers, and community members who have helped to bring us to this moment. This legislation will ensure that Minnesotans are protected from this harmful and discredited practice - and it sends a strong message to LGBTQ+ Minnesotans that we are perfect just as we are."

Kat Rohn, OutFront Minnesota Executive Director

In 2015, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed an Executive Order banning the harmful practice of “conversion therapy” by licensed providers working with minors. To date, 20 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have passed laws or regulations prohibiting the practice, with eight of these state laws or regulations having been enacted under Republican governors.

“Conversion therapy,” sometimes referred to as “sexual orientation change efforts” or “reparative therapy,” encompasses a range of practices, built on no credible evidence, that seek to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, efforts that have long been opposed by major medical and health organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychiatric Association. However, due to continuing discrimination and societal bias against LGBTQ+ people, some practitioners continue to conduct conversion therapy. Minors are especially vulnerable, and conversion therapy can lead to depression, anxiety, drug use, homelessness, and suicide.

According to the Movement Advancement Project, an estimated 28% of LGBTQ+ minors live in states with no laws or policies banning conversion therapies for minors.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ+ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

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